Fireworks can be fun for all, except for our furry friends.
During the Fourth of July, animal shelters nationwide see an increase in lost pets during and after the holiday. Fireworks, but also visitors frequently opening doors and gates, give pets ample opportunity to escape.
Open Door Animal Sanctuary in House Springs prepares “every year” for the influx, said Becky Hackenwerth, assistant kennel manager.
This past holiday weekend, Hackenwerth said she received six voicemails in one day reporting missing pets or Jefferson Countians finding stray dogs. Open Door was at capacity when Hackenwerth received the calls.
“Typically, people are looking for them,” she said. “Especially if we get a dog in that looks like it’s been well taken care of, and it just probably got loose. We expect to hear from (their owners).”
Hackenwerth said most stray dogs taken in around the Fourth of July are reunited with their owner.
Shelter Animals Count, an organization founded by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, reported in 2024 that July 5 is the single highest intake for stray dogs for shelters across the country.
“This is a scary time for dogs,” Hackenwerth said.
She suggests leaving pets in a crate or secure bedroom during holiday celebrations to prevent them from getting loose, and to ensure microchips and collars with tags have updated information.
If you lost a pet over the holiday weekend and it hasn’t been located, Hackenwerth recommends checking Facebook accounts and reaching out to local animal shelters.